On February 18, 1793, the United States Supreme Court issued its decision in Chisholm v. Georgia, its first major case and a cornerstone in the early interpretation of federal authority. The case arose when Alexander Chisholm, executor of the estate of Robert Farquhar, sued the state of Georgia for payments owed for goods supplied during the Revolutionary War. Georgia claimed sovereign immunity, arguing it could not be sued without its consent.
The Supreme Court rejected Georgia’s claim, holding that federal courts could hear disputes between private citizens and states under Article III of the Constitution. Chief Justice John Jay emphasized that states, while sovereign, had delegated some powers to the federal government, making them accountable in federal courts.
Impact and Backlash
This ruling was groundbreaking because it asserted federal judicial authority over states. However, it triggered widespread alarm among states concerned about preserving their sovereignty. Many feared that the decision opened the door for endless lawsuits against states, undermining their autonomy.
The backlash was swift and decisive. In 1795, just two years later, Congress passed the Eleventh Amendment, which limited the federal judiciary’s power to hear cases brought against states by citizens of another state or a foreign country. The amendment effectively overturned Chisholm v. Georgia and established clearer boundaries for state immunity.
Broader Significance
Chisholm v. Georgia set an early precedent for the balance of power between state and federal governments. Though its ruling was quickly curtailed, the case demonstrated the judiciary’s role in interpreting the Constitution and shaping federalism in the nascent United States. It also highlighted tensions between states’ rights advocates and proponents of a strong central government—debates that would continue to shape American politics for centuries.
Takeaway
While largely overshadowed by later landmark cases, Chisholm v. Georgia remains a significant milestone in the Supreme Court’s history. It was the first instance where the Court grappled with the limits of state sovereignty and the scope of federal judicial power, setting the stage for more profound constitutional debates in the years to come.
